Veteran manager tapped to run Helix Water

LA MESA  A 48-year-old engineer has been picked to run the water agency that serves suburban East County.

The Helix Water District has announced that Carlos Lugo is being promoted from director of engineering to general manager.

The La Mesa-based agency serves 267,000 customers in a 50-square-mile region that includes El Cajon, Spring Valley and Lemon Grove.

Under a compensation package that is expected to be approved by the district board of directors on Wednesday, Lugo's annual base salary would be $180,000. The district would also provide him with a cell phone and a car.

Lugo's predecessor, Mark Weston, retired at the end of last year. His base salary in 2011 was $203,714.

Lugo joined the Helix staff in 1991 and served as engineering chief for a decade. Under his direction, Helix launched a cast-iron pipe replacement program, with the aim of removing all remaining cast-iron pipes within the next 10 years.

District officials said there were 61 applicants for the executive position.